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Arsenic Toxicity

Definition

Arsenic toxicity occurs when a person is exposed to arsenic. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust. It has no smell or taste. If you suspect you have been exposed to arsenic, contact your doctor right away.

There are two primary forms of arsenic:

Inorganic arsenic—arsenic combined with hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, or sulfur; found in the environment, sometimes as a gas

Organic arsenic—arsenic combined with carbon and hydrogen; found in animals and plants

Inorganic arsenic is much more harmful than organic arsenic.

Causes

Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and minerals, and may enter the air, water, and soil. It is also used:

To preserve or pressure-treat wood—this use is being phased out except for specific applications such as railroad ties and utility poles, but old stocks may still be around and pose a risk

As an ingredient in pesticides

To produce glass

In copper and other metal manufacturing

In the electronics industry

In medicine

Arsenic toxicity may occur when a person is exposed to toxic amounts of arsenic due to:

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop arsenic toxicity as a result of arsenic exposure. But certain people are more likely to be exposed to arsenic. The following factors increase your chances of being exposed to arsenic:

In addition, people exposed to arsenic may be at a greater risk of developing heart disease.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis of arsenic poisoning because symptoms are so varied. If you have concerns about arsenic causing symptoms in yourself or a family member, talk to your doctor.

Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:

Blood tests

Urine tests

Hair or fingernail analysis

Treatment

There is no effective treatment for arsenic toxicity. There is increasing evidence that chelation therapy may benefit some people who were poisoned with arsenic. Chelation therapy involves putting a chemical called a
chelating agent into the bloodstream. The chelating agent combines with a toxin to help remove it from the body. Chelating agents may be given by pill or by injection.

If chelation is not indicated or is ineffective, your treatment will be designed to help manage and control your symptoms. Treatment may include IV hydration, for example.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting arsenic toxicity, take the following steps:

If you work with arsenic-treated wood at home, wear a dust mask, gloves, and protective clothing. Do not burn any wood that has been treated with arsenic compounds.

If you live in an area with high natural levels of arsenic, use cleaner sources of water and limit contact with soil. If you have well water, have it tested for a variety of contaminants, including arsenic.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Arsenic and drinking water from private wells. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/disease/arsenic.html. Updated May 3, 2010. Accessed February 16, 2015.

Fourth national report on exposure to environmental chemicals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/pdf/FourthReport.pdf. Published 2009. Accessed February 16, 2015.